We've done a couple of different things. With my oldest, we used a Bible story book (Egermeier's, but the one done by De Vos is also good). She really enjoyed that. This year, with my 1st grade twins, we're spending a little time working through a children's devotional book, then we'll move into CLE Bible 1. We have already started Bible 3 with a couple of my older children, and I really like it. I'm looking forward to doing Bible 1 with my twins. Blessings, Laura

CLE Bible 3 CLE Language Arts - finish 3, begin 4 CLE Reading 3 & Progeny Press Literature guides Teaching Textbooks - finish 4, begin 5 Considering God's Creation with Home Science Adventures Biblioplan Year 3 French Jumpstart Typing Lots of field trips in spring, 2011, when we are in the US. Blessings, Laura

The Story of Mankind by Van Loon

Bible: CLE 3 Math: Teaching Textbooks 4 LA: ETC 3,4,5; CLE Reading 1; Cheerful Cursive History: Biblioplan Year 3 Science: Considering God's Creation supplemented with Home Science Adventures Enjoys but is not required: sitting in on FIAR with younger siblings During Spring 2011 (while we're in the US): lots of field trips Blessings, Laura

If your oldest are in first grade, use the K-2 readers as your read-alouds. They are wonderful! In fact, I did that last year. 4 of my 5 school-aged children were in K-3, so many weeks I used the K-2 readers as our read-alouds. We did read a few of the family read-alouds, too. As far as multiple chapters per week, here is my experience. (I've used year 2 and am using year 3 of Biblioplan) With year 2, most weeks only 1 chapter of SOTW is scheduled. However, there were a few weeks that 2 or more chapters were scheduled, and some weeks that didn't have SOTW scheduled at all. I was able to tweak the schedule, and push most of those chapters from the "heavy" weeks into the weeks where SOTW wasn't scheduled. With year 3 - so far - only one chapter of SOTW has been scheduled per week. We live overseas, and have been using Biblioplan for over a year. I have not found it difficult to get all the books we need - at least in terms of finding companies who carry them. Getting them shipped over is another matter - partly depending on which country you are moving to. I have found Rainbow resource carries many of the books. I get the rest from Amazon. BP does use some OOP books, but I've not had any trouble finding them (also through Amazon). IMO, if you use SOTW as your spine, get the other history books that are age-appropriate, and buy the K-2 readers for your read-alouds, it will not be too expensive. As I said before, I haven't had trouble finding the books - even OOP ones - for reasonable prices through RR and Amazon. Also, BP has other things you can buy in addition to the schedule. I love the BP products - schedule, maps, timeline, coloring pages, and cool history pages. You could certainly use most of them with younger children (though the cool history pages might not always be a good fit). Blessings as you choose. Laura

We used SOTW as our spine when we did Biblioplan Year 2 last year. My twins were in K. All I did with them were the SOTW readings, the BP K-2 readers, and the SOTW AG - but it was over their heads. Actually, dd grasped some of it, but didn't really enjoy it; ds wasn't ready for it at all. So, no, I wouldn't recommend using SOTW with a K'er. I'm using FIAR with my twins this year, and will move them back to SOTW in 2nd or 3rd grade. Blessings, Laura

We're currently using CLE LA 300 and Reading 300. You do need to add literature/reading. CLE Reading will give you that, but there are many other programs you can choose from. I have not added an additional writing program. There is some writing instruction (we're halfway through, and writing paragraphs and letters/notes has been covered). I have decided it is sufficient writing for this year. However, next year I will likely add in a separate writing program. I really like the CLE Reading program. The stories encourage good character (IOW, just the right amount of "preachiness" for our family :001_smile:). The workbooks include vocabulary/pronounciation and comprehension questions. One thing to note: CLE Reading 200 and 300 are full-year courses. All the other CLE Reading courses are half-year courses. That is one reason I will find it easier to add a separate writing course after finishing CLE 300. Blessings, Laura

Last year, when we did Biblioplan Year 2, I did get the SOTW AG. My dc were 6th, 3rd, 2nd, K, and K. The BP timeline and map packets worked well for my oldest, but I used the SOTW maps and other activities for the younger ones. I wanted the age-appropriate mapwork, some coloring sheets, and the book suggestions (BP didn't have much for the K-2 age group during the weeks the Reformation was studied). We only did a few of the other activities in the AG. If my dc had been older, and I only had one in early elementary, I don't think I would have added in the SOTW AG. I'd get the SOTW AG if you really enjoy hands-on activities as part of your history studies. Otherwise, I'd just use the BP maps and timeline. (It was hard to do two different sets of mapwork, and I wouldn't recommend it). Blessings, Laura

I found them to be so - too much for my taste. IMO, it took too much tweaking and skipping for Apologia to be useful for us. As someone else said, Apologia does points to God - but they do it by making a lot of statements about what they believe the Bible says. Some of those statements were okay, but there were plenty of young earth statements made, and I also ran into a section of the Astronomy book that discussed eschatology (end times). As far as what I use for science: I like a mix of Christian books/curricula with secular. I want facts/information accurately presented, but I also like to relate what the Bible might say about the topic at hand. My favorite Christian curricula are the ones that have a list of Bible verses - that way you hear what God says, rather than what someone else says He is saying. Of everything we've used, the following were/are our favorites: Sonlight Science K and 1 - the teacher's manual is what helps to pull in the Christian viewpoint, for the most part Five in a Row (a unit study, not just science) - The Christian Character Supplement provides related Bible verses Real Science 4 Kids - really solid science The Elements - more solid science - and fun! Character Sketches - this has lots of Bible and lots of science - relates character qualities to specific plants/animals. There are plenty of facts about whatever plant or animal is being studied. YE/OE is not an issue here. Jean Henri Fabre books - older books written before the YE/OE wars began, so little attention given to that topic Considering God's Creation - this has Bible passages that relate to each lesson. Some young earth statements made, but very easy to tweak. Blessings, Laura

Check out Biblioplan. They have SOTW coordinated with books for older children. Some of those books may be all you need to beef it up for your 5th grader. Blessings, Laura

We are in our second year of using Biblioplan, and it has been a wonderful program for us. The core of Biblioplan is it's schedule, which includes different history spines, read-alouds, and readers. There are 4 levels of readers scheduled in the newest Biblioplan schedules - K-2, 3+, 5+, and 8+. We have especially enjoyed the K-2 readers - they are wonderful picture books that we have read aloud to everyone. Biblioplan also has extras (I'm not sure if every year has all of these yet, but that's the direction they're heading) - the map packet, timeline, cool history pages, and coloring book. The cool history pages have one suggested hands-on activity for each week, plus extra tidbits to read/tell to your children. Because Biblioplan has resources scheduled that cover grades 1-12, it is a multi-level, reusable resource. To sum it up, the SOTW AG will have more supplemental book recommendations and hands-on activities for elementary students. Biblioplan will have book recommendations for all ages, only a few hands-on activities that appeal to a broader age-range, and will incorporate more Biblical, church, and US history. You can use both together if you want, which is what I did last year. Blessings, Laura

We started 7th grade 2 weeks ago, and this is what we're doing: Bible: Alpha-Omega Bible 7 History: Biblioplan year 3 Science: Considering God's Creation, digging deeper using Elementary Physical Science and Plato Earth Science Language Arts: Finish last 3 units of Lightning Lit 7, then do some Total Language Plus studies Writing: Jump In! Grammar: MCT Town level Math: Teaching Textbooks (finish level 5, all of level 6) Latin: Latin for Children 1 Greek: Hey, Andrew Teach Me some Greek, levels 2 and 3 Logic: Critical Thinking in US History, plus fun supplementals Blessings, Laura

Considering we began our 2010-2011 school year 2 weeks ago...yes, we do have everything for the fall and almost everything for the spring. I will need to order for the spring: some earth science/geology kits next level of LA for the dc (CLE and ETC mainly) Blessings, Laura

Another vote for Biblioplan. They schedule almost all the spines you mentioned. They do provide a daily schedule, but it's for 3 days a week - not 5. If doing history 3 days/week will work for you, you may want to take another look. We're in our second year of BP, and it's been a really good fit for our family. Blessings, Laura

:grouphug: I feel your pain. I've struggled to find the "right" math program, too. "I" loved Miquon and RS, but they didn't fit my dc well, (plus RS became too time-intensive for me as I added more dc). I have 2 dc who need spiral and very incremental programs. Another does well with computer based curricula. A couple would do okay with other things, but - well, it's easier for me to have them doing the same programs as their siblings, and that's an important factor, too. Anyway, this year my older dc are using Teaching Textbooks. I have my twins doing Complete Book of Math, grades 1-2 combined with lessons from How to Teach Math to Your First and Second Grader. When they're ready, they'll move into Teaching Textbooks. Blessings, Laura

We do science Mon and Wed, and history on Tues, Thurs, Fri. - even with older dc. We tend to feel more rushed and not retain as well when we do both subjects on the same day - but that is just how it works in our family. Blessings as you find what works for you. Laura

We're just starting our new school year. I wanted to combine everyone, but after trying that last year knew the pace of history and science would be too much for my twins (they just started 1st grade). So now my dc are combined into 2 groups. This is our schedule: start around 9-9:30 am -Bible and FIAR with 1st graders (3 yo, 3rd grader, and 4th graders all sit in during this time, and 7th grader begins her independent work) - approx. 45 min. -Bible with 3rd and 4th graders - approx. 15 minutes -short break while I get out math and LA materials -math/LA with 1st, 3rd, and 4th graders (4th grader is pretty independent, but still needs me close by). 1st and 3rd graders need one-on-one. This segment of our day lasts 1 1/2-2 hours -read-alouds/history/science with 3rd, 4th, and 7th graders (read-alouds daily, history 3 days/week, science 2 days/week) - approx. 1 hour -wrap-up/discussion time with 7th grader (includes more in-depth history and science readings/discussion, logic, and some LA) Blessings, Laura

I don't spend any time on weeknights preparing/grading, etc. I do part of that work during school time. I prepare everything on weekends, and can easily spend 4-6 hours of prep time then. My oldest does very well in some subjects with me doing weekly grading/review, so that's included in my weekend time. (Things she needs checked on a daily basis I do during school hours). I also spend time before the year begins planning. For science, I make up our own curriculum, so I find it critical to have weekly plans before the year begins. We purchase a history schedule, and use workbooks for other subjects. I also plan which FIAR books I'll do with the younger ones that year and get some of the ideas written down so that the actual weekly planning will take less time. Blessings, Laura

I combined FIAR with SL for my oldest. It worked great for her. I would add that when you combine (or do it on top of another curriculum), you need to keep it simple. Right now I'm using FIAR by itself with my 1st graders. It's an extra for my 3rd and 4th graders, though. They have other curricula they're required to do, but they like sitting in on FIAR. It's nice that FIAR is flexible - you have several ways you could work it into your days. Blessings, Laura

My dd did this program when she was in 4th grade and enjoyed it. We didn't find it particularly "boyish" (or "girlish" either, for that matter). It's definitely approaching world history from a different viewpoint, which we found interesting. Blessings, Laura

My 4th grader next year will use: CLE Bible CLE LA and Reading TT Math 5 Biblioplan Year 3 Considering God's Creation (first half)/Home Science Adventures Learnables French JumpStart Typing We're working on a new schedule. What seems to work best is this: Join in with FIAR for younger siblings (not a requirement, she just wants to) Bible LA break History or Science (we'll do history 3 days/week and science the other 2) Math, French, Typing Blessings, Laura

What level are you looking at? I really like the samples I've seen of CLE Bible 1-4. They're pretty much straight Bible stories: We are about to begin CLE Bible 3. Most of it seems to be stories or readings straight from the Bible. The questions and activities mainly focus on reviewing facts. There are a few things that are a question of judgement (ie. Which is more important? Reading the Bible or playing with toys?), but I didn't see anything that was specifically anabaptist in doctrine. The one unit that is not based on Bible stories is focused on helping the child understand Biblical/Jewish culture at the time of Christ, not doctrine. I think we're really going to enjoy Bible 3, and I am planning to get Bible 1 for my twins to start in the spring. From what I've seen, CLE Bible 5 and up seem to be more of a mix of doctrine and Bible stories. You'd probably have to look at each level to decide if it would work for you or not. I got Alpha-Omega Bible 7 for my oldest instead of CLE Bible 7 (both cover identical topics). From the samples I saw, most of what CLE had at that level was general Christian doctrine, but there were a handful of things that seemed more anabaptist. When I compared the two, I liked 6 of the units I equally well in both curricula, I liked one of the CLE units better than the corresponding Alpha Omega unit, but I liked 3 of the Alpha Omega units better than the CLE equivalent. I also liked the layout and writing style of Alpha Omega just a little bit more. HTH Blessings, Laura

We bought LL this year, and my dd started it halfway through her 6th grade year. At the rate she's going, she'll take about 7 months to finish it. She's enjoyed everything so far, but is fussing some about reading the Helen Keller autobiography (it's not too difficult; she just doesn't care for that genre). Lightning Lit is definitely doable for a 6th grader. Blessings, Laura

My dd began Jump In in January. I am very happy with it and with the writing skills my dd is learning. A large part of the book teaches persuasive and expository writing. The remaining quarter focuses on different types of creative writing. I was looking for something that would help prepare my dd for the higher level writing she'll need to do in high school. I really like that she is learning the process of how to write, because the assignments are broken down into each individual step for the different kinds of writing taught. I also like the recommended schedule for the writing assignment at the end of each unit, because that is a tool she can use later as well. Of all the different programs I looked at, Jump In seems to teach the greatest variety of writing skills. We are not quite through the first quarter of the book, but I've already seen improvement in her writing. She is better able to brainstorm (though she still has a way to go in that area). The rest of the writing process is not nearly as agonizing as it used to be. She's doing better in writing assignments for other subjects, too. Even her own personal creative writing she likes to do is improving (though that one may not be due solely to Jump In - we're also using Lightning Lit which may be helping with that particular area). I've heard of a lot of students who really enjoy Jump In. My dd does not love it, but she doesn't complain about doing it (unlike other writing courses we tried). IMO, Jump In is an excellent middle school course, and it's a good fit for a lot of students. HTH Blessings, Laura

My fourth pregnancy I ended up with b/g twins. The first three were g, g, b. Blessings, Laura